How to work with April's New and Full Moon
Wisdom by Simona Schimanovich
With the Spring Equinox on the 21st of March, we have moved into Aries season and started a new astrological year. As the first of the 12 signs of the zodiac, Aries carries the energy of new beginnings. Here in the Northern Hemisphere, it coincides with nature’s awakening for spring. The days are now getting longer and we have more energy to move forwards and initiate.
How to work with March's New and Full Moon
Wisdom by Simona Schimanovich
After the intensity of February with the Aquarius Stellium and many powerful alignments, the skies are carrying much smoother energy in March. We also begin the Astrological New Year with the Spring Equinox on the 21st of March.
7 Yoga Podcasts to Inspire You at Home
Wisdom by Delight Yoga
With this prolonged period of staying indoors, it is natural for us all to seek out various outlets to remain uplifted and motivated during these uncertain times. One way to find new inspiration in your yoga practice during lockdown is through podcasts - an easy way to learn more about yoga, mindfulness, and spirituality.
How to work with February's New and Full Moon
Wisdom by Simona Schimanovich
How will this month's New and Full Moon impact you? February is one of the most intense months of 2021 with powerful cosmic alignments, but soon things will start to settle.
Full Moon in Leo
Wisdom by Simona Schimanovich
The first full moon of 2021 falls on January 28th in the sign of Leo. This will be a strong full moon with some tense energies in the skies.
10 Tips to Stay Connected During Lockdown
Wisdom by Irene Draisma
As we have entered a third Lockdown in the Netherlands and with the holidays approaching, many of us start to long for connection. How can we find creative ways to deal with these limitations and still feel connected? Here is a list to stay connected and support eachother during Lockdown.
Total Solar Eclipse in Sagittarius
Wisdom by Simona Schimanovich
December is a very powerful month astrologically, bringing a major shift. With the Total Solar Eclipse on 14th December, we are starting fresh. After the last Lunar Eclipse, which gave us a point of completion and release, this Solar Eclipse in Sagittarius is like a super-charged new moon. The moon will fully cover the sun in a Total Solar Eclipse, creating not only a new beginning – but opening a completely fresh chapter!
Holding Space
Wisdom by Jenny Schoenmann
This year has demanded a lot of us. We have been through a lot of changes and uncertainties. No wonder this past year has been challenging! It brought up all kinds of intense feelings and emotions, leaving many of us feeling overwhelmed. To reclaim our ground and inner sanctuary, we can take advantage of the pull of the Solstice in our Northern Hemisphere. To draw our attention inward as well as taking the time to reflect. By Holding Space For Yourself, the process of inner healing, acceptance, and peace begins.
Demystifying HypnoBirthing
Wisdom by Kasia Pokrop
A Common Misconception When we think of HypnoBirthing, perhaps the sentiments “hypnosis”, “losing control”, and “not being conscious of what is happening around us” may come to mind. This is not entirely surprising as it is not a typical topic that arises in everyday life. Fortunately, this transformative practice is nothing of the sort.
Dream Yoga: What, why, and how?
Wisdom by Kevin Sahaj
One-third of our lives is spent sleeping and dreaming. Therefore, if we live to be 90, 30 years of our lives are spent in bed sleeping and dreaming! But is our sleep restful? Do we remember our dreams and honour the guidance they give for our waking lives? For most of us, our dreams are not remembered and our sleep is restless or heavy. Good sleep is the key to health and our dream life is rich with meaning, so it would be good to honour our sleep and not just take it for granted.
Lunar Eclipse in Gemini
Wisdom by Simona Schimanovich
We are entering the final eclipse season of 2020 with the Lunar Eclipse on November 30th. The full moon will be partially covered by the Earth’s shadow. Eclipses are said to bring great transformation; they are portals for accelerated growth taking us to where we are meant to be.
Super New Moon in Scorpio
Wisdom by Simona Schimanovich
Before we move into Eclipse season, we will have the last in a series of three Super New Moons on November 15th. As it will be close to the Earth, we will feel the influence of this New Moon more strongly, marking a powerful new beginning.
How to find Ease in Unease
Wisdom by Kristin Vikjord
This life holds many truths, one of which is that we move through periods of unease. As referred to in the Yoga Sutras and in Buddhist philosophy, we know that there is suffering and chaos of the mind, that is of thoughts and emotions, as we move through life. Luckily both ancient yogis and modern psychology hold experiential and science-based knowledge of how to empower ourselves, and how to increase resilience from within. And ultimately, how to find ease within ourselves despite times of unease.
Super Blue Moon in Taurus
Wisdom by Simona Schimanovich
On Halloween, October 31st, we’ll have a Blue Moon in Taurus. A blue moon is an unusual event as it’s a second full moon in the same month (we had a full moon in Aries on October 1st) – so this is going to be a very powerful time.
Celebrating Navrātri
Wisdom by Yemanja Gottges
I would like to share my invitation to all of you reading these words, to pre-enter the temple of the heart or to hold space, by celebrating Navrātri together.
Super New Moon in Libra
Wisdom by Simona Schimanovich
As we move into the last weeks of 2020, mid-October brings us a Super New Moon in the sign of Libra. It is the second in a series of Super New Moons and will be the closest to the Earth, so its influence will be felt deeply. Remember to set your intentions to harness the powerful energies of this new moon and plant the seeds for the months ahead. Astrologically, we are going through a period of great intensity, lasting until December. There is a lot of tension in the skies and you might be feeling it in one way or another. The planets in Capricorn – symbolising responsibility, power, governments, rules and regulations – are being challenged by angry Mars in Aries, demanding individual rights and freedom. These aspects represent conflicting needs and a time that shakes everything up. We are moving into a crescendo, one that is bringing the themes of 2020 to a head. With Mars, the planet of energy and drive, going retrograde you might also be feeling exhausted, tired or sluggish at the moment. Just before the New Moon, Mercury is joining in retrograde on October 13th – adding to this sense of feeling held back and being forced to pause. The second half of October will be a time to slow down and reflect instead of moving forward. This is where the Libra energy is bringing us much needed balance. Libra is all about partnership, fairness, justice, and collaboration. It asks: "How can we find a solution, how can we come together and make this work?" Connected to the heart, the sign of Libra invites us to reach out to one another and send each other love and compassion. It asks us to use the challenges of this time to open our hearts and come together as a human family. Delight Yoga is offering an online New Moon Circle guided by Simona Schimanovich, where we will come together to share, support each other and set our intentions in a powerful New Moon meditation.
Full Moon in Aries
Wisdom by Simona Schimanovich
Right in the middle of Libra season, the full moon on the 1st of October falls into the fiery sign of Aries. While the sun is in Libra which is all about connection, relationships and harmony, the full moon highlights the opposite sign.
5 Tips For Your Magical Morning
Wisdom by Jenny Schoenmann
Every morning, we can choose how we want to feel. How we start our day greatly influences how it unfolds. We can either start in a rush, or we can pause, breathe, and take a moment to set the tone and pace for our day.
Super New Moon in Virgo
Wisdom by Simona Schimanovich
On September 17th, we will have a New Moon in the sign of Virgo. It is the first in a series of three Super New Moons, meaning that it comes close to the Earth. During this New Moon, we will feel the lunar energies more strongly, emphasizing the fresh beginning that it will bring.
Full Moon in Pisces
Wisdom by Simona Schimanovich
We have moved into earthy Virgo season. This very practical sign supports us as we return from our summer holidays, helping us get organised and find our new routines. As the sun is in Virgo, the Full Moon on the 2nd of September will fall in the dreamy, sensitive sign of Pisces. A full moon always falls in the opposite sign – reminding us to find the right balance.
New Moon in Leo
Wisdom by Simona Schimanovich
After the last two new moons in the waters of cancer, we have now shifted into very fiery energy. We are in Leo season! Falling into the middle of summer, this sign is ruled by the sun. August brings us the New Moon in majestic Leo.
Ganesha: Remover of Obstacles
Wisdom by Delight Yoga
Have you seen the elephant-headed statue in our studios? Ever wondered why we have those at our entrances? To celebrate Ganesha Chaturthi this week, we would like to shine our light on the elephant-headed Hindu god.
Science of Chakras: Ajna
Wisdom by Erica Jago
If you read my previous blog posts on the chakras and Vishuddha then you’re ready for this one! The sixth chakra: Ajna, in English it’s called the Third Eye Chakra. Ajna, reveals the insight of your future, while your two physical eyes see the present and the past. An invisible yet truly powerful third eye, this is your energy centre of intuition. Ajna leads you to an inner knowledge beyond wisdom that guides you, only if you let it.
New Moon in Cancer
Wisdom by Simona Schimanovich
Moving into the second half of 2020 and emerging from Eclipse Season, we will experience the second New Moon in Cancer on July 20th. After the powerful Solar Eclipse last month at the very beginning of 0 degrees of Cancer, the July New Moon falls into the sign of Cancer again. This is unusual and highlights the importance of cultivating this energy.
Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn
Wisdom by Simona Schimanovich
The Full Moon Eclipse on 4/5th July will be the last in the current series of eclipses. We are in intense times, having just experienced three eclipses in only 5 weeks. Altogether 2020 brings us 6 eclipses, which is rare and points to the transformative power of this year.
Delight Community Post: Our Anti-Racism Resources
Wisdom by Delight Yoga
We have been working hard on how we can best take action as a yoga school to create diversity and inclusion in the wellness space. The first step is to educate ourselves and then share our knowledge with others - we asked our beautiful community for help with this. This is a list of articles, books, documentaries, and lectures that have helped Delight learn about racism, white supremacy, and diversity in both the yoga industry and our world.
Black Lives Matter Solidarity Statement
Wisdom by Delight Yoga
Delight Yoga stands in solidarity with Black communities and the Black Lives Matter movement.
New Moon/Solar Eclipse in Cancer
Wisdom by Simona Schimanovich
Eclipse season is always a time of profound transformation – and we are moving through extremely intense and powerful times. Having experienced the Full Moon Eclipse at the beginning of June, which asked us to release what isn’t serving us and shed our old skins like a snake being reborn, we will now witness a New Moon Eclipse on June 21st.
Healing in Action: A dialogue with Kevin Sahaj
Wisdom by Anne-Sophie Eckert
Kevin Sahaj is a dedicated yoga practitioner who has been studying and practising yoga for 30 years. His approach to teaching is eclectic and draws from many different methods and teachings to help students align their lives towards awakening. He is the life partner of Katiza Satya; together they lead the Delight Yoga Teacher training programmes and offer guidance for the spiritual direction of the school.
Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse in Sagittarius
Wisdom by Simona Schimanovich
With the Lunar Eclipse in Sagittarius taking place on the 5th of June, we are entering into eclipse season! Eclipses are said to bring profound transformation, opening a portal for accelerated evolution. While we usually experience four eclipses a year, 2020 will feature six eclipses – highlighting the deep transformation we are going through this year. So fasten your seatbelts, the rollercoaster ride isn’t over... And when we come out on the other side of these first eclipses in July, we will feel completely renewed.
Delight Yoga's Favourite Sanskrit Words
Wisdom by Delight Yoga
Sanskrit, the most ancient of human languages, is also known as ‘Devanagari’, which literally translated means ‘language of the gods’. Since the Sanskrit words are the actual sound manifestations, we use them when chanting.
New Moon in Gemini
Wisdom by Simona Schimanovich
As the sun moves from the grounded Earth sign Taurus into the light Air sign Gemini on May 20th, we might feel a real energetic shift. A mutable sign, Gemini is said to be very flexible and adaptable – and moves fast. The New Moon in Gemini on May 22nd brings the beginning of a fresh lunar cycle. The symbol for Gemini is the twins, and this duality represents exchange and interaction. Communication, exchange of ideas, trade, and technology are highlighted during this time – and the Gemini New Moon brings the opportunity to set intentions in these areas.
Meditation & Mantra: Let Go of Fear and Find Peace
Wisdom by Kevin Sahaj
A meditation and mantra to let go of fear in oneself and to help others who have died to find peace.
Super Full Moon in Scorpio
Wisdom by Simona Schimanovich
In the middle of Taurus season, the Full Moon on May 7th falls in the deep, dark waters of Scorpio. It is the third and last in a series of Super Full Moons, where the moon’s orbit is at its closest proximity to the Earth. A full moon always amplifies our emotions and draws whatever we are feeling to the surface.
New Moon in Taurus
Wisdom by Simona Schimanovich
Taurus season has started, bringing us the New Moon in Taurus on the 23rd of April. After the beautiful Super Full Moon in Libra two weeks ago, this New Moon falls in Taurus – the other zodiac sign ruled by Venus, the planet of love, beauty, and the divine feminine – gifting us even more heart-centred energy. An Earth sign, Taurus season coincides with a time centred around blossoming as nature fully reawakens in spring.
Super Full Moon in Libra
Wisdom by Simona Schimanovich
In the midst of Aries season and the turbulent times we are moving through, the Full Moon in Libra on April 8th brings our relationships into focus. A Super Full Moon, it is very close to the Earth and it will be the brightest full moon of the year. It shines its message clearly – that we are all in this together.
Delight's Top 10 Movies to Watch While Staying Home
Wisdom by Delight Yoga
The current challenges the world is facing are difficult for us all - but the measures asking us to stay home also offer a beautiful opportunity to expand our minds and learn about the world. Delight Yoga asked its community which movies, documentaries, and short films have inspired them along their yogic journeys.
Delight's Top 10 Books to Read While Staying Home
Wisdom by Delight Yoga
In the midst of the preventative measures placed by governments around the world, many of us are finding ourselves at home with the time and space to rediscover activities we were previously too busy for - reading being one perfect example. Delight Yoga asked its teachers, hosts, and team members which books have inspired them along their yogic journeys.
New Moon in Aries
Wisdom by Simona Schimanovich
Just a few days after the Spring Equinox, the New Moon in Aries occurs on the 24th of March. We are now beginning a new astrological year - Aries being the first sign of the zodiac as we enter into spring. Aries is the child of the zodiac and as a fire sign, it is all about initiating, moving forward, and fresh beginnings.
How to respond to the current climate of fear
Wisdom by Satya Katiza & Kevin Sahaj
How to respond to the current climate of fear We are living in a very interesting time in the world right now - with so many possibilities for positive growth and collective conscious evolution. There is an increasing awareness of our world as one unified planet, where borders and ideological differences are becoming less and less important and people are waking up and realizing that we are all together in this beautiful blue paradise spinning through space.
Full Moon in Virgo
Wisdom by Simona Schimanovich
In the midst of the dreamy waters of Pisces season, the Full Moon in Virgo on March 9th will help us to find solid ground again. As the Full Moon always falls into the opposite sign of the one the Sun is in, we are invited to come back into balance. While Pisces energy is mystical, dreamy, and out-there, Virgo is known for being very grounded, practical, and organised.
New Moon in Pisces
Wisdom by Simona Schimanovich
This month's New Moon falls in the sign of Pisces on Sunday, February 23rd. Ruled by the planet Neptune, which guides our spiritual evolution, Pisces is a water sign that is fluid, emotional, and intuitive.
Full Moon in Leo
Wisdom by Delight Yoga
Learn how to start following the cycle of the moon and tune into the natural rise and fall of energy each month. Our yoga practice allows us to return to a natural, relaxed, and inspired state so that we can take fresh energy in and release what no longer serves us. When we tune in to natural cycles, we can support this process further, which is why being aware of eclipses, full moons, and times of the day can help our practice.
Diving into The Bhagavad Gita: The Yoga of The Supreme Being (Chapter 15)
Wisdom by Sjoerd Dragtsma
When I received this chapter of the Gita I felt joy and an excitement to get involved with this chapter again. It describes the very ultimate realization of Creation, the Source of all manifestation, the Absolute as a direct experience while having a human body.
Diving into The Bhagavad Gita: The three modes of material Nature (Chapter 14)
Wisdom by Jonas Nathan
The Bhagavad Gita for me is all about finding the connection with God. For many of us, God is still connected with religion and some of us can have some resistance towards God. But once we start to separate God from any religion, we can start to work with a God that works in our spiritual practice. A God of your understanding or you can call it your higher power. This can be anything as long as it’s bigger than you.
Diving into the Bhagavad Gita: Nature, the Enjoyer and Consciousness (Chapter 13)
Wisdom by Eric Weber
We can imagine poor Arjuna! Who founds himself back admit a battlefield struggling with his destiny. Maybe he can not do what is been asked from him to do, namely to kill his family, friends, and mentors in battle. The family fight escalated and the fight for power has come to its climax. Poor Arjuna must fight and still, he resists. Can he duck the responsibility of karma? Choose another outcome? Is he, Arjuna, not a hero?
Diving into the Bhagavad Gita: Devotional Service, Bhakti Yoga and the way of Love (Chapter 12)
Wisdom by Daniel Maciejewski
How to come closest to Krishna consciousness and what to do to obtain that, is the key message of this month’s theme, the 12th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. Krishna says: “Still your mind in me, still your intellect in me, and without doubt, you will be united with me forever. If you cannot still your mind in me, learn to do so through a regular practice of meditation.
Diving into the Bhagavad Gita: To see the all within the one (Chapter 11)
Wisdom by Coen Van der Kroon
To see the all within the one How to be(come) an Ayurveda-Arjuna… Arjuna speaks to Krishna: "Pasyami devams tava deva dehe sarvams tatha bhuta-visesa-sanghan brahmanam isam kamalasana-stham rsims ca sarvan uragams ca divyan" "Now I see all the divine forms in you. The Rishis are in you. All the Sages of the Universe, I see them all. And I see no beginning, no end, or no middle. Every form in the Universe is your form." - The Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 11, verse 15
Diving into the Bhagavad Gita: Yoga of Hidden Treasure (Chapter 9)
Wisdom by Reinier Dorrepaal
While knowledge of the self (selfless action or karma yoga) is revealed in the first six chapters of the Bhagavad Gita, knowledge of the union of the self through devotion in love (devotional yoga or bhakti yoga) is revealed in chapters seven to twelve. Krishna begins Chapter 9 with three verses to draw Arjuna’s undivided attention because the knowledge he is going to reveal is very important; it is the ‘Hidden Treasure’.
Diving into the Bhagavad Gita: Separating the Real from the Unreal (Chapter 8)
Wisdom by Rolandjan Van Mulligen
Chapter 8, Verse 315 Krishna talking to Arjuna: "At the time of leaving the body if anyone thinks of Me, definitely, he attains Me." (Chapter 8, Verse 315) The story of the Bhagavad Gita takes place on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, where two sides of a family are preparing for battle. The conversation involves two characters: Krishna and Arjuna. Krishna represents our True Self and Arjuna represents the human identification with body and mind (ego).
Diving into the Bhagavad Gita: Knowledge of the Absolute (Chapter 7)
Wisdom by Peter Roussel
The practitioner in yoga strives to understand the right action, this is the theme in Hatha Yoga and Bakhti Yoga as it is in the epic story of Arjuna, the Bhagavad Gita. Bhagavad Gita is compiled from stories dating from before Christ and up to about 600 years after His death. Many edits by those in power have incorporated developing ideas of society and of how to understand life.
Diving into the Bhagavad Gita: The True Yoga (Chapter 6)
Wisdom by Jurre Twijnstra
Chapter 6, Verse 34-53 Arjuna asks Krishna: “O Krishna the mind is flickering unstable, strong and stubborn. I think it is as difficult as to control the wind.” Krishna explains to Arjuna: “Without doubt Arjuna, the mind is difficult to curb and is restless but it can be controlled by constant practice and non-attachment.” Reading in the Bhagavad Gita brings me back into moments and places in India every time.
Diving into the Bhagavad Gita: Action in Pure Awareness (Chapter 5)
Wisdom by Sido Wijga
Chapter 5, Verse 8-9 Krishna explains to Arjuna: “The knower of the truth thinks “I do not do anything at all” - though seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, moving about, sleeping, breathing, speaking, emptying, accepting, opening and closing of eyes. He is convinced that only the sense organs of the body are engaged in sense objects and the soul is actionless.”
Diving into the Bhagavad Gita: The Battlefield (Chapter 2)
Wisdom by Kevin Sahaj
Chapter 2, verse 7 Arjuna speaks to Krishna: "Now I am confused about my duty and have lost all composure because of weakness. In this condition, I am asking You to tell me clearly what is best for me. Now I am Your disciple, and a soul surrendered unto You. Please instruct me." This is the beginning of a new year's dive into the deep Yogic and spiritual treasure of the Bhagavad Gita.
The 13 lunar cycles: The 13th Moon in January (Part 13 of 13)
Wisdom by Satya Katiza
'You are — the moment you decide to Be' by Satya After a wonderful journey of 12 moons, here we are at this invisible gate entering the last moon cycle of the year “the 13th moon in January”. With a heart full of gratitude and wisdom gathered from all the different aspects we have learned and shared in our walk on earth moment by moment, deep in ourselves we feel the Yes! We are ready to Be!
The 13 lunar cycles: Give Praise (Part 12 of 13)
Wisdom by Daphne Luttger
Life is inevitably a process of learning and maybe at some point in life’s journey, you come to the realization of the necessity of unlearning or changing the habitual patterns that we call conditioning. The importance of change for growth and transformation. We all build our personalities on the experiences we have.
The 13 lunar cycles: Walk Tall, Woman (Part 11 of 13)
Wisdom by Patricia Veltri
The first time I heard the expression ‘She walks what she talks’ I was impressed by a powerful woman. She had so much integrity and coherence, she was so honest in the way she presented herself. With her, I understood the difference between being honest and carrying the truth. The truth has different aspects, can be seen from different perspectives. Be honest is to choose not to fake.
The 13 lunar cycles: Weaving the Web (Part 10 of 13)
Wisdom by Tianjin Lawless-Jennings
The Woman of the Tenth Moon Cycle weaves the creative web of life. She shows us that 'Mothers' come in many different forms: Aunt, Godmother, Guru, Friend. She is the special woman that you turn to for guidance, to steer you from the path of destruction, showing you the way back onto the path of creating and manifesting your dreams... of birthing your true potential through your creativity.
The 13 lunar cycles: shaping tomorrow's dream (Part 9 of 13)
Wisdom by Dolores Mae Höppener
The moon of September is the ninth moon cycle, the ninth month, that we share about the wisdom of the moon according to the native traditions. This moon is asking us to be aware that we are influencing tomorrow’s dreams; to be proactive to ensure the abundance of the future. The abundance of our children's children.
The 13 lunar cycles: She who heals (Part 8 of 13)
Wisdom by Victoria (Tory) Raven Hyndman
Theme of the Month August: She who heals by Victoria (Tory) Hyndman This month’s theme is about “She who heals”. When we look at “she who heals`’, is this an individual like a mother, a grand-mother, an energy of the Divine Mother or perhaps our true mirror? There is a girl, a woman really. She is standing on a bridge, one we all come to at some point in life.
The 13 lunar cycles: Intimacy with all that is (Part 7 of 13)
Wisdom by Katka Jacz
Theme of the Month July: Intimacy with all that is by Katka Jacz To be at home with yourself and the world around you, happy and intimate with whatever is. Those of you who have had this experience know this is a possibility. But to live like this more constantly, is this possible?
The 13 lunar cycles: Storyteller (Part 6 of 13)
Wisdom by Lidewij Severins
Theme of the Month June: Storyteller She who speaks the Truth by Lidewij Severins The Moon of June represents the woman who speaks the Truth. She who shares from her heart; truthfully, concise and clear. Through stories, we learn to have faith, to be humble and to keep our innocence.
The 13 lunar cycles: Listen to your inner voice (Part 5 of 13)
Wisdom by Martine van Beusekom
Listen to your Inner Voice Every month the theme of the month is inspired by the book 'The 13 Clan Mothers', in which the writer, Jamie Sams, shares her Native American wisdom on what the moon teaches us, all 13 moons have their own teaching, helping us to Truth. Martine wrote about what the 5th moon brings us.
The 13 lunar cycles: 'Looks far Woman' (Part 4 of 13)
Wisdom by Ira Hardjosusono
Living the Mandala of Life. First of all, I’m grateful and happy to have been asked to write about the theme of the 4th April moon. Inspired by the many stories of women on the path, I started writing directly from the heart, inviting you to join me to go back in time.
The 13 lunar cycles: Weighs the truth (Part 3 of 13)
Wisdom by Ingeborg Timmerman
She who sees the truth The third moon of the year teaches us that truth has many different faces. We need to look at all sides of a situation to find out what is real and accept this truth although we may not like it. It teaches us that we can find our own personal truth by seeing and accepting the consequences of our actions and life experience. We need to look at what we can learn from our deeds.
The 13 lunar cycles: Wisdom Keeper (Part 2 of 13)
Wisdom by Alixe van Ogtrop
As honoring nature's rhythms and cycles connect us more easily with our own True Nature, we will write about the 13 lunar cycles. This year 13 women have been asked to write about the 13 lunar cycles. I have been asked to write about the second moon of the year with the theme 'Wisdom Keeper'.
The 13 lunar cycles: Talks with Relations (Part 1 of 13)
Wisdom by Kristin Vikjord
NATURE “Weaving the rhythms of the seasons, She rides the Winds of Change” I was born under the Aurora Borealis. Under the dancing Lights of winter. I grew up in moonlit darkness. In the land of the midnight sun, a land where the sun never sets. Where the silence is more still than the first stillness. And time is present, like moments that never pass. Blue hours of vastness. Raw. Pure. Where heaven meets earth in winds as wild as your wildest dreams.
The Niyamas: Ishvara Pranidhana - Surrender to the divine
Wisdom by Wessel Paternotte
The Niyamas: Ishvara Pranidhana - Surrender to the divine The theme of this month is Ishvara Pranidhana, the last one in the series of niyamas. Ishvara refers to God, and Pranidhana generally means self-surrender. Ishvara Pranidhana is the practice of self-surrender in deep contemplation on the eternal source of all. In the practice of Ishvara Pranidhana, we let go of our thoughts, beliefs and ideas.
The Niyamas: Svadhyaya - Studying the Self
Wisdom by Wessel Paternotte
The Niyamas: Svadhyaya - Studying the Self The theme of the month is Svadhyaya, the fourth of the niyamas from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. The term Svadhyaya stems from the words Sva (Self or Soul) and Shyaya, which comes from dhyia (to meditate, study or contemplate) and so Svadhyaya means Studying the Self. DJ Khaled would call this a Holy Key, as knowing your Self, and being your Self, is what yoga is all about.
The Niyamas: Tapas - Inner Fire and Selfless Love
Wisdom by Wessel Paternotte
TĀPAS Inner Fire & Selfless Love Tāpas, the third of the niyamas from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, has been translated into English as heat, spiritual austerities, self-discipline and inner fire. Through Tāpas, mastery of the body, mind and senses can be achieved. Think of Tāpas as a flame inside of you, which motivates you and keeps you on track with what is really important in life.
The Niyamas: Santosha - Contentment
Wisdom by Wessel Paternotte
The Niyamas: SANTOSHA - Contentment This month we focus on the practice of Santosha, developing contentment and equanimity of mind. I believe the first time I heard the word equanimity was during my first vipassana retreat. The teacher, S.N. Goenka, was speaking about it a lot. He told me that I should keep a calm, content and equanimous mind, no matter what the circumstances may be.
The Niyamas: Saucha - purity, cleanliness and clearness
Wisdom by Wessel Paternotte
The Niyamas: Saucha - purity, cleanliness and clearness When I first heard about the niyamas as being the rules of yoga, I was not a fan. I never liked rules and I had a slight tendency of breaking them. Luckily, over the years my perception changed, and I began to understand that the niyamas are not meant as rules that you simply must follow to be a good person. I began to appreciate them as spiritual, mystical and yet very practical guidelines for a happy life. And I love being happy.
The Yamas: Aparigraha - Non-attachment
Wisdom by Maarten van Huijstee
The Yamas: Aparigraha - Non-attachment I will reflect on the fifth and last Yama: Aparigraha. The Yamas, “the don’ts”, are considered the natural laws of Yoga and thus Aparigraha is one of the five essential restraints. The word Aparigraha stems from the word parigrah which means ‘to crave’, ‘to seek’ and 'to seize’ possessions. It not only means the action but also includes the intent; the attitude of craving and possessiveness.
The Yamas: Brahmacharya - Follow the Universal self inside
Wisdom by Maarten van Huijstee
The Yamas: Brahmacharya - follow the universal self ride I will reflect on the fourth Yama “Brahmacharya”. The Yamas are an integral part of the path of Yoga and are seen as the natural laws of life which are guiding our action, words and thoughts.
The Yamas: Asteya - Non-stealing
Wisdom by Maarten van Huijstee
The Yamas: Asteya - Non stealing I'll be continuing my exploration of the Yamas, which are seen as the natural laws of Yoga and apply to all aspects of life, including restraints in one's actions, words and thoughts. This time we will reflect on the third Yamas, "Asteya", which translates to "non-stealing".
The Yamas: Satya - Truthfulness
Wisdom by Maarten van Huijstee
The Yamas: Satya - Truthfulness I’ll be writing about the five Yamas, an integral part of the eightfold path of Yoga. The Yamas are seen as the natural laws of Yoga which apply broadly in life and include self-restraints in one's action, words and thoughts. We’ll be having a closer look at the second Yama “Satya” which translates to “Truthfulness”
The Yamas: Ahimsa - non violence, non harming
Wisdom by Maarten van Huijstee
The Yamas: Ahimsa - non violence, non harming Several weeks ago, my teacher, Katiza Satya asked me to write the Theme of the Month for the first months of 2017. I was asked to write about the five "Yamas", one of the limbs of the eightfold path of Yoga. The Yamas are seen as the natural laws of Yoga which apply broadly in life and include self-restraints in one's action, words and thoughts. In January we start with "Ahimsa" which literally means "do not harm".
Bhagavad Gita: Hatha Yoga (Part 4 of 4)
Wisdom by Kevin Sahaj
Bhagavad Gita: Hatha Yoga (Part 4 of 4) Mudra, Bandha and Kundalini Energy udghāṭayetkapāṭaṃ tu yathā kuṃchikayā haṭhāt | kuṇḍalinyā tathā yoghī mokṣhadvāraṃ vibhedayet || 105 || As a door is opened with a key, so the Yogî opens the door of mukti by opening Kuṇḍalinî by means of Haṭha Yoga.
Bhagavad Gita: Hatha Yoga (Part 3 of 4)
Wisdom by Kevin Sahaj
Bhagavad Gita: Hatha Yoga (Part 3 of 4) Part 3. Pranayama practice according to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika: athāsane dṝdhe yoghī vaśī hita-mitāśanaḥ | ghurūpadiṣhṭa-mārgheṇa prāṇāyāmānsamabhyaset || 1 ||
Bhagavad Gita: Hatha Yoga (Part 2 of 4)
Wisdom by Kevin Sahaj
Bhagavad Gita: Hatha Yoga (Part 2 of 4) Asana practice according to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. The second chapter of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika explains asana as the foundation of the Hatha Yoga training.
Bhagavad Gita: Hatha Yoga (Part 1 of 4)
Wisdom by Kevin Sahaj
The purpose of Yoga according to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika Hatha Yoga is the system of yoga we follow when we practice yoga asanas, pranayamas, bandhas etc. Any practice that involves these aspects is Hatha Yoga, every "style" of yoga you are practicing it is directly related to Hatha Yoga.
Bhagavad Gita: Bhakti Yoga (Part 2 of 2)
Wisdom by Kevin Sahaj
Bhagavad Gita: Bhakti Yoga (Part 2 of 2) The way of the heart, devotion and sacred space. This month's theme from the Bhagavad Gita is a continuation of last months theme: the path of "Bhakti " yoga, the yoga of opening the heart in devotion.
Bhagavad Gita: Jñana Yoga, the Yoga of Knowledge
Wisdom by Kevin Sahaj
Jñāna Yoga, the yoga of knowledge This month's theme from the Bhagavad Gita is the path of jñāna yoga, or the yoga of knowledge. jñāna is not knowledge in the same way we normally understand the word. jñāna is like a fire that burns away that which is not true.
Bhagavad Gita: Bhakti Yoga (Part 1 of 2)
Wisdom by Kevin Sahaj
Bhakti Yoga The path of Bhakti Yoga is described in the Gita as the quickest and most powerful of the paths of Yoga. The whole of the Bhagavad-gītā is a dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna.
Bhagavad Gita: Karma Yoga
Wisdom by Kevin Sahaj
Karma Yoga The first of the Yogas from the Bhagavad Gītā: Karma Yoga. Karma Yoga is the path to realization by acting selflessly in the world with the knowledge of our inherent interdependence with all things.